Benefits of Goji

There are many supposed benefits of goji, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. The plant is often claimed to be beneficial for improving circulation, treating diabetes, reducing irritability, and extending lifespan. There are also some claimed benefits in children, but children should consume the product in moderation, as they are often more susceptible to the toxicities of supplements and drugs.

Goji Berry Information

Claimed Goji Benefits

Goji is supposedly helpful for a variety of different, seemingly unrelated uses. Some of the possible benefits of goji include:

Strengthening muscles and bone
Extending lifespan
Reducing sweating
Improving circulation
Relieving morning sickness (nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy)
Reducing irritability
Improving the general health and function of the liver and kidneys (as a kidney or liver tonic)
Treating the following conditions:

Diabetes
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High cholesterol
Fever
Cancer
Malaria
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Impotence (erectile dysfunction or ED)
Macular degeneration
Cough
Nosebleeds
Blurred vision.

There is little evidence to suggest that goji really works for most of these uses (see Does Goji Work?).

How Does Goji Work?

Goji contains a variety of different compounds that may have medicinal activity.

Both the bark and the berries contain beta-sitosterol (a plant sterol that might help to lower cholesterol). Both also contain betaine, a compound that can help lower homocysteine levels, which might lower the risk of heart disease, strokes, and blood clots. The bark also contains compounds that may have the following properties:

Blood pressure-lowering effects
Blood sugar-lowering effects
Antibacterial properties.

(Benefits of Goji Continued: Page 2)